Sarah Cowley
@profsarahcowley.bsky.social
Former health visitor; academic at King’s College London, retired 2012. DBE 2013 for services to health visiting. Care about babies, families, inequalities, public health and NHS.
Personal account. #FBPE Pro-EU. With
@WCountryVoices
Personal account. #FBPE Pro-EU. With
@WCountryVoices
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
“The Inquiry confirms that the government was warned about Long Covid repeatedly, and ignored those warnings.
From May 2020, scientists, doctors and patients were raising the alarm that Covid-19 could cause long-term, disabling illness. Frontline clinicians reported people who never recovered.”
🤬😢😫
From May 2020, scientists, doctors and patients were raising the alarm that Covid-19 could cause long-term, disabling illness. Frontline clinicians reported people who never recovered.”
🤬😢😫
November 20, 2025 at 9:04 PM
“The Inquiry confirms that the government was warned about Long Covid repeatedly, and ignored those warnings.
From May 2020, scientists, doctors and patients were raising the alarm that Covid-19 could cause long-term, disabling illness. Frontline clinicians reported people who never recovered.”
🤬😢😫
From May 2020, scientists, doctors and patients were raising the alarm that Covid-19 could cause long-term, disabling illness. Frontline clinicians reported people who never recovered.”
🤬😢😫
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
We’re calling for:
• Recognition of Long Covid as a mass disabling condition
• Redress and apology to disabled communities
• Structural reform that embeds us in emergency planning
• Public health policy built on prevention /8
• Recognition of Long Covid as a mass disabling condition
• Redress and apology to disabled communities
• Structural reform that embeds us in emergency planning
• Public health policy built on prevention /8
November 20, 2025 at 5:43 PM
We’re calling for:
• Recognition of Long Covid as a mass disabling condition
• Redress and apology to disabled communities
• Structural reform that embeds us in emergency planning
• Public health policy built on prevention /8
• Recognition of Long Covid as a mass disabling condition
• Redress and apology to disabled communities
• Structural reform that embeds us in emergency planning
• Public health policy built on prevention /8
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
And here’s the part the government still refuses to face: Long Covid was not considered at all. Not in early planning, not in risk assessments, not in public communication. /5
November 20, 2025 at 5:43 PM
And here’s the part the government still refuses to face: Long Covid was not considered at all. Not in early planning, not in risk assessments, not in public communication. /5
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry confirms what our communities have lived for years: the government’s pandemic response wasn’t just a failure - it was a historic abandonment. “Too little, too late” doesn’t capture the scale of the harm. /1
November 20, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry confirms what our communities have lived for years: the government’s pandemic response wasn’t just a failure - it was a historic abandonment. “Too little, too late” doesn’t capture the scale of the harm. /1
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
In my latest for @medscape.com, much of our understanding of long COVID — specifically in researching biomarkers, viral persistence, chronic inflammation, and antiviral treatments — came from years of prior research into HIV.
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Important Long-COVID Lessons From AIDS Researchers
The search for long-COVID treatments echoes the previous struggles against HIV/AIDS. Now researchers are taking lessons from those breakthroughs to make new progress.
www.medscape.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM
In my latest for @medscape.com, much of our understanding of long COVID — specifically in researching biomarkers, viral persistence, chronic inflammation, and antiviral treatments — came from years of prior research into HIV.
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Staggering figures.
"More than 1.9 million people (including 100,000+ children) in the UK are estimated to be living with Long Covid. . .
This is not only a health issue, but a national economic crisis: the latest ONS figures suggest more than 400,000 people are unable to work due to Long Covid."
"More than 1.9 million people (including 100,000+ children) in the UK are estimated to be living with Long Covid. . .
This is not only a health issue, but a national economic crisis: the latest ONS figures suggest more than 400,000 people are unable to work due to Long Covid."
1/ The Covid Inquiry's Module 2 report confirms critical failures at the highest levels of government, failures that have left millions with Long Covid and inadequate support.
We've drafted a press release in response:
www.longcovid.org/impact/news/...
We've drafted a press release in response:
www.longcovid.org/impact/news/...
Long Covid Support
To learn more visit LongCovid.org
www.longcovid.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Staggering figures.
"More than 1.9 million people (including 100,000+ children) in the UK are estimated to be living with Long Covid. . .
This is not only a health issue, but a national economic crisis: the latest ONS figures suggest more than 400,000 people are unable to work due to Long Covid."
"More than 1.9 million people (including 100,000+ children) in the UK are estimated to be living with Long Covid. . .
This is not only a health issue, but a national economic crisis: the latest ONS figures suggest more than 400,000 people are unable to work due to Long Covid."
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
Reading about today's UK #CovidInquiry report and it's bringing out of me a range of emotions.
In particular ANGER that Covid and #LongCovid are still being past-tensed.
I feel abandoned in my new-found disability.
Shame on all who have deliberately undermined this pandemic, vaccination and more.
In particular ANGER that Covid and #LongCovid are still being past-tensed.
I feel abandoned in my new-found disability.
Shame on all who have deliberately undermined this pandemic, vaccination and more.
November 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Reading about today's UK #CovidInquiry report and it's bringing out of me a range of emotions.
In particular ANGER that Covid and #LongCovid are still being past-tensed.
I feel abandoned in my new-found disability.
Shame on all who have deliberately undermined this pandemic, vaccination and more.
In particular ANGER that Covid and #LongCovid are still being past-tensed.
I feel abandoned in my new-found disability.
Shame on all who have deliberately undermined this pandemic, vaccination and more.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
"There was sufficient information available by October 2020 for decision-makers to understand that Long Covid was a significant policy and health issue to be tackled”
And yet they did nothing. Fuck them!
And yet they did nothing. Fuck them!
1/ The Covid Inquiry's Module 2 report confirms critical failures at the highest levels of government, failures that have left millions with Long Covid and inadequate support.
We've drafted a press release in response:
www.longcovid.org/impact/news/...
We've drafted a press release in response:
www.longcovid.org/impact/news/...
Long Covid Support
To learn more visit LongCovid.org
www.longcovid.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
"There was sufficient information available by October 2020 for decision-makers to understand that Long Covid was a significant policy and health issue to be tackled”
And yet they did nothing. Fuck them!
And yet they did nothing. Fuck them!
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
Just a hostile and angry reminder that 50% of COVID cases are asymptomatic but still cause damage and can lead to long COVID, and also you are STILL CONTAGIOUS WHEN IT’S ASYMPTOMATIC.
November 20, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Just a hostile and angry reminder that 50% of COVID cases are asymptomatic but still cause damage and can lead to long COVID, and also you are STILL CONTAGIOUS WHEN IT’S ASYMPTOMATIC.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
8/ Obviously it's easy to be wise after the event, but everything we said at the time is on our web site for others to judge
independentsage.org
independentsage.org
Independent SAGE – Independent scientific advice on the COVID-19 crisis, for the UK government and public.
Independent SAGE: Independent scientific advice on the COVID-19 crisis, for the UK government and public.
independentsage.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:53 PM
8/ Obviously it's easy to be wise after the event, but everything we said at the time is on our web site for others to judge
independentsage.org
independentsage.org
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
7/Data and Preparedness
Inquiry: Improve real-time, equality-disaggregated data; strengthen modelling capacity; pre-design dashboards and taskforce structures.
IS: Repeatedly highlighted data gaps (ethnicity, disability); called for transparent modelling and scenario planning.
Inquiry: Improve real-time, equality-disaggregated data; strengthen modelling capacity; pre-design dashboards and taskforce structures.
IS: Repeatedly highlighted data gaps (ethnicity, disability); called for transparent modelling and scenario planning.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
7/Data and Preparedness
Inquiry: Improve real-time, equality-disaggregated data; strengthen modelling capacity; pre-design dashboards and taskforce structures.
IS: Repeatedly highlighted data gaps (ethnicity, disability); called for transparent modelling and scenario planning.
Inquiry: Improve real-time, equality-disaggregated data; strengthen modelling capacity; pre-design dashboards and taskforce structures.
IS: Repeatedly highlighted data gaps (ethnicity, disability); called for transparent modelling and scenario planning.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
6/Governance
Inquiry: Recommends standing 4-nations forum; clear transition from COBR to long-term structures; inclusive, accountable decision-making; address toxic culture in govt.
IS: Called for collaborative, respectful four-nations approach; criticised politicisation and lack of coordination.
Inquiry: Recommends standing 4-nations forum; clear transition from COBR to long-term structures; inclusive, accountable decision-making; address toxic culture in govt.
IS: Called for collaborative, respectful four-nations approach; criticised politicisation and lack of coordination.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
6/Governance
Inquiry: Recommends standing 4-nations forum; clear transition from COBR to long-term structures; inclusive, accountable decision-making; address toxic culture in govt.
IS: Called for collaborative, respectful four-nations approach; criticised politicisation and lack of coordination.
Inquiry: Recommends standing 4-nations forum; clear transition from COBR to long-term structures; inclusive, accountable decision-making; address toxic culture in govt.
IS: Called for collaborative, respectful four-nations approach; criticised politicisation and lack of coordination.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
5/Social & Economic Harms
Inquiry: Critiques unclear messaging (Stay Alert); recommends transparent, accessible campaigns; integrate behavioural science.
IS: Advocated clear, consistent messaging; criticised confusing slogans; promoted behavioural insights and ventilation messaging early.
Inquiry: Critiques unclear messaging (Stay Alert); recommends transparent, accessible campaigns; integrate behavioural science.
IS: Advocated clear, consistent messaging; criticised confusing slogans; promoted behavioural insights and ventilation messaging early.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
5/Social & Economic Harms
Inquiry: Critiques unclear messaging (Stay Alert); recommends transparent, accessible campaigns; integrate behavioural science.
IS: Advocated clear, consistent messaging; criticised confusing slogans; promoted behavioural insights and ventilation messaging early.
Inquiry: Critiques unclear messaging (Stay Alert); recommends transparent, accessible campaigns; integrate behavioural science.
IS: Advocated clear, consistent messaging; criticised confusing slogans; promoted behavioural insights and ventilation messaging early.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
4/Scientific advice
Inquiry: Broaden SAGE participation; maintain UK-wide expert register; include devolved reps from outset; provide feedback loops to advisory groups.
IS: Criticised narrow networks and lack of diversity; called for multidisciplinary input and devolved engagement.
Inquiry: Broaden SAGE participation; maintain UK-wide expert register; include devolved reps from outset; provide feedback loops to advisory groups.
IS: Criticised narrow networks and lack of diversity; called for multidisciplinary input and devolved engagement.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
4/Scientific advice
Inquiry: Broaden SAGE participation; maintain UK-wide expert register; include devolved reps from outset; provide feedback loops to advisory groups.
IS: Criticised narrow networks and lack of diversity; called for multidisciplinary input and devolved engagement.
Inquiry: Broaden SAGE participation; maintain UK-wide expert register; include devolved reps from outset; provide feedback loops to advisory groups.
IS: Criticised narrow networks and lack of diversity; called for multidisciplinary input and devolved engagement.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
3/Early action
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
3/Early action
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
2/Transparency
Inquiry: Calls for publication of scientific, economic, social advice; clear communication that science informs but does not dictate policy; accessible formats
IS: Formed in response to lack of transparency; advocated publication of SAGE minutes, membership, & modelling assumptions.
Inquiry: Calls for publication of scientific, economic, social advice; clear communication that science informs but does not dictate policy; accessible formats
IS: Formed in response to lack of transparency; advocated publication of SAGE minutes, membership, & modelling assumptions.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
2/Transparency
Inquiry: Calls for publication of scientific, economic, social advice; clear communication that science informs but does not dictate policy; accessible formats
IS: Formed in response to lack of transparency; advocated publication of SAGE minutes, membership, & modelling assumptions.
Inquiry: Calls for publication of scientific, economic, social advice; clear communication that science informs but does not dictate policy; accessible formats
IS: Formed in response to lack of transparency; advocated publication of SAGE minutes, membership, & modelling assumptions.
Hear, hear. 👏👏
They were like a haven of sense and science to many including us. The contrast between their regular sessions and the drivel (mostly)that came out of the daily governmental broadcasts was blindingly obvious.
November 20, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Hear, hear. 👏👏
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
1/ How does the COVID Inquiry's Module 2 report align with what we said in @independentsage.bsky.social at the time? A 🧵on Transparency, Early & Decisive Action, Scientific Advice, Integration of Social & Economic Harms, Communication and Behavioural Science, Governance, Data and Preparedness
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
1/ How does the COVID Inquiry's Module 2 report align with what we said in @independentsage.bsky.social at the time? A 🧵on Transparency, Early & Decisive Action, Scientific Advice, Integration of Social & Economic Harms, Communication and Behavioural Science, Governance, Data and Preparedness
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
What Martin said. Independent SAGE were not cranks, not extremists, not over-reacting. #covidinquiry
1/ How does the COVID Inquiry's Module 2 report align with what we said in @independentsage.bsky.social at the time? A 🧵on Transparency, Early & Decisive Action, Scientific Advice, Integration of Social & Economic Harms, Communication and Behavioural Science, Governance, Data and Preparedness
November 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
What Martin said. Independent SAGE were not cranks, not extremists, not over-reacting. #covidinquiry
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
Thank you.
Today, as the #CovidInquiry releases its module 2 report, we are thinking especially of everyone who will have to relive the trauma of that time, who will have to hear of the government failings that led to their loved ones' deaths.
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
November 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Thank you.
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
- HIV researchers know that the virus remains in a viral reservoir in the body, and they think this may be true for long COVID.
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Important Long-COVID Lessons From AIDS Researchers
The search for long-COVID treatments echoes the previous struggles against HIV/AIDS. Now researchers are taking lessons from those breakthroughs to make new progress.
www.medscape.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:59 PM
- HIV researchers know that the virus remains in a viral reservoir in the body, and they think this may be true for long COVID.
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
No reference to those who get Long Covid? Quite possibly a contributor to the rising numbers reducing work hours or not in work and claiming disability benefits? And stymying productivity and growth. When will someone JOIN THE DOTS?
JCVI are still saying it’s ’mild’ this year 🤬 “ COVID-19 is now a relatively mild disease for most people, though it can still be unpleasant” 🤦🏻♀️
Do we just ignore the un-most people then?
There’s no ‘herd immunity’ without vax & efficiency only lasts about 6 months.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Do we just ignore the un-most people then?
There’s no ‘herd immunity’ without vax & efficiency only lasts about 6 months.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination in 2025 and spring 2026
www.gov.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:07 PM
No reference to those who get Long Covid? Quite possibly a contributor to the rising numbers reducing work hours or not in work and claiming disability benefits? And stymying productivity and growth. When will someone JOIN THE DOTS?
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
Agree!
Yet I love to share beauty see in real life with those that are house-/ bed bound.
#LongCovid #PAIS #MECFS
#nature #DailyPhoto
Yet I love to share beauty see in real life with those that are house-/ bed bound.
#LongCovid #PAIS #MECFS
#nature #DailyPhoto
November 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Agree!
Yet I love to share beauty see in real life with those that are house-/ bed bound.
#LongCovid #PAIS #MECFS
#nature #DailyPhoto
Yet I love to share beauty see in real life with those that are house-/ bed bound.
#LongCovid #PAIS #MECFS
#nature #DailyPhoto
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
Nursing in Practice: QICN to close long Covid nursing network
"The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close its long Covid network."
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/rvt72svk
#LongCovid
"The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close its long Covid network."
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/rvt72svk
#LongCovid
QICN to close long Covid nursing network
The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close its long Covid network
tinyurl.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Nursing in Practice: QICN to close long Covid nursing network
"The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close its long Covid network."
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/rvt72svk
#LongCovid
"The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close its long Covid network."
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/rvt72svk
#LongCovid
Reposted by Sarah Cowley
